While technically categorized as a "filler" episode because it does not appear in the serialized manga, Tite Kubo has stated that he originally planned for the and Ashido to be part of the official story. Due to pacing issues and deadlines during the manga's publication, he had to cut this sub-plot, but he later provided the character designs and story concepts to the anime production team to include it there. Key Characters Introduced/Featured
, titled "Ashido, the Shinigami Who Came from the Past," is a unique entry in the series as it features a "canon filler" character originally intended for the manga by creator Tite Kubo. Episode Overview Aired: September 12, 2009 Arc: Arrancar: The Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry Bleach Episode 148
The episode follows the fallout of Ichigo’s group being separated after falling into the Menos Forest. While Ichigo, Uryu, Chad, and Renji fend off hordes of Gillians, is rescued from an Adjuchas-class Hollow by a mysterious masked figure named Ashido Kanō . While technically categorized as a "filler" episode because
The Forest of Menos , a subterranean level of Hueco Mundo filled with countless Menos Grande. Plot Summary Episode Overview Aired: September 12, 2009 Arc: Arrancar:
A group of Adjuchas-class Hollows that serve as the primary antagonists of this mini-arc.
Ashido is a Soul Reaper who has been trapped in Hueco Mundo for hundreds of years. He originally came to the forest with a group of comrades to hunt Hollows but became the sole survivor, choosing to stay and continue his mission to reduce the number of Hollows reaching the World of the Living.
A legendary lone warrior who survives in the heart of Hueco Mundo without using Shikai or Bankai.